You've decided to bring a living creature, a kitten, into your home, and now you're pondering your choice. Should you get a purebred cat or not? And if so, should it be "papered" or not? This is a dilemma many novice cat owners face. We will try to help you partially resolve this issue.

If you want a purebred cat and like a specific breed, don't hesitate to get one. However, the problem arises when deciding whether to get a cat with a pedigree (PP) or without one. Keep the following points in mind:

1. A kitten without a pedigree doesn't actually belong to any breed, even if it is presented as such. Remember, the parents in such cases are unverifiable without genetic testing (even if the seller shows you the supposed parents, it may not always be true), and you never know what the kitten will grow into because its ancestors could have been mixed breeds or completely different breeds. Therefore, if you want a specific breed, the pedigree of the kitten is your guarantee.
2. Some kittens without a pedigree are offspring of cats with a pedigree. This is another pitfall. It is necessary to investigate why this is the case. Often, these are cats sold as pets with the condition that they will not be bred further, usually due to exterior or even health defects. Their offspring often carry these defects. A person breeding such kittens is usually not a member of any organization and thus does not have to follow breeding rules, which prescribe how many litters a cat can have within a certain time frame to avoid overburdening the cat with frequent births. If such a cat gives birth more often than it would with an organized breeder, it affects the health of the kittens, which are usually weaker and in poorer condition.
3. Kittens without a pedigree are often sold earlier than they should be (the recommended age for separating kittens from their mother is at least 10 weeks, in most organizations it is 12-13 weeks), often unvaccinated and dewormed. An organized breeder is required to do all this by breeding rules. Non-pedigree breeders' litters are usually not tested even for basic infectious diseases, and it often happens that the stress of moving to a new home causes the disease to break out fully. This includes feline leukemia, infectious peritonitis, and "feline AIDS." These diseases are incurable, and the kitten will die from them!!! Often, a kitten without a pedigree ends up costing more due to subsequent veterinary care than a kitten with a pedigree. Although a pedigree is not a guarantee of the kitten's health, a serious organized breeder has tested litters and can present the tests upon request.
4. A kitten with a pedigree can be purchased for the same amount as a kitten without a pedigree, but fully vaccinated and dewormed. These are so-called "pet" kittens, which are born in every cattery. These are kittens that, due to some "beauty defect," are not suitable for breeding (the selection rules are usually quite strict), but in terms of temperament, they are the same as their show siblings and will also fulfill the role of a pleasant companion. With a pedigree kitten, you don't have to attend shows; this is a common beginner's misconception. A pedigree also does not mean that the kitten is extremely expensive; you can always find a cattery that offers kittens at a symbolic price (except for rare breeds, where a higher price should be expected).
5. If there is any problem with the kitten, it is usually easier to resolve it with an organized breeder. A serious breeder provides a purchase contract with the kitten, which also includes a commitment to resolve issues (especially health issues) if any arise. If an organized breeder is unwilling to resolve the problem and is clearly at fault, a complaint can be filed with the basic organization to which they belong or the breeding committee of that organization. There is no place to complain about an unorganized breeder, and generally, resolving any problems is much more difficult, if not impossible (especially if they sell kittens without a purchase contract).

In general, getting a cat with a pedigree is a much safer step. Remember, with good care, a cat can live for 15-20 years!!!

If you want to get a cat and don't desire any specific breed, please adopt one looking for a new home. Shelters are full of such cats, and from personal experience, I can say that these cats can repay their family with great affection and love.

From January 1, 2023, kittens can leave for new owners no earlier than 14 weeks old, must be FULLY (twice) vaccinated, immune after vaccination, and MICROCHIPPED.

Source: SCHK